Qatar has fully resumed maritime navigation for all types of vessels after a two-week suspension amid heightened security concerns in the Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar’s Transport Ministry said maritime activities resumed on Sunday. It urged shipping companies, vessel operators and other concerned parties to follow safety regulations and official instructions to ensure safe voyages.
The ministry did not provide further details about the decision.
Maritime traffic disrupted by regional tensions
Qatar suspended maritime navigation on July 12 as regional tensions intensified. It had previously halted maritime traffic on June 29 before partially restoring operations on July 5.
Meanwhile, several shipping companies advised vessels to stay outside the Strait of Hormuz because of growing security concerns.
Iran, meanwhile, said it had made progress in talks with Oman on arrangements for safe shipping through the strategic waterway.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said officials from both countries held discussions in Tehran on Friday and Saturday. The talks focused on practical mechanisms and common principles for ensuring safe maritime traffic.
Baqaei described the discussions as productive and said further technical and political consultations would continue.
Iran also said the maritime traffic situation in the Strait of Hormuz remained unchanged. The waterway serves as a crucial route for international energy and commercial shipments.
US blockade raises concerns over shipping safety
Iranian military officials claimed that Tehran had targeted US military facilities in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain during retaliatory operations.
However, Kuwait rejected reports that it participated in military operations against Iran. Its ambassador to the United States said Kuwait had not joined attacks against Tehran.
The United States has maintained that its naval blockade against Iran remains in effect. US Central Command said American forces had redirected several commercial vessels accused of violating the blockade.
The developments have increased concerns about maritime security and the potential impact on global trade.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also warned countries supporting US military operations against Tehran. An IRGC spokesperson said countries cooperating with Washington could face consequences.
Meanwhile, reports suggested US President Donald Trump had paused plans for additional strikes against Iran after nearly two weeks of military action.
The reported pause could create more space for diplomatic efforts, although it remains unclear whether it represents a temporary break or a broader halt to US military operations.
